Germany open Group E at 2026 FIFA World Cup with a clash against debutants, Curacao.
Germany come into this tournament chasing a fifth World Cup title, whilst Curacao are making their debut in this competition.
Team News
Manuel Neuer is set to start for Germany following his recovery from a calf injury.
Lennart Karl however has withdrawn from the squad due to a muscle injury, with Assan Ouedraogo called up as his replacement in midfield.
Curacao have no fresh injury concerns to report.
When is Kick-Off?
Germany face Curacao at NRG Stadium, Houston, USA, at 12pm CDT (6pm BST) on Sunday 14 June, live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Germany’s first World Cup meeting against Curacao.
- Curacao are facing European opposition for the first time in a competitive meeting.
- Germany have kept just one clean sheet in their four matches in 2026 (W4), which came in a 4-0 friendly win over Finland in May.
- Curacao have won one of their four matches in 2026 (W1, L3).
Prediction
As Group E favourites, Germany surely know that this is their best opportunity since 2014 to get past this stage and I expect Julian Nagelsmann to name a strong line-up, even though the temptation is there to rest some of the big hitters for the Ivory Coast and Ecuador games.
Curacao meanwhile already feel like Group E’s whipping boys before a ball even has been hit but if they can solidify their defending and be clinical, I think that they might just be able to cause a surprise but that would require Germany to have a serious off day.
I however just can’t see Germany losing this such is the contrast in quality, but it would be nice to see Curacao get a goal on debut.
Prediction: Germany 3-1 Curacao
Result: Germany 7-1 Curacao